Cleaning your deck is a basic maintenance issue that you should complete at least once every year. After the winter weather treats your deck poorly, you should clean it and set it up for a good summer. There are many different methods you can use to strengthen your deck and make it so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on maintenance further on down the road. If you do need help with cleaning your deck, you can contact a professional contractor to perform the tasks required. Deck cleaning can be completed with just a few simple steps.
Clear Everything and Protect Living Things
You should move any and all furniture and other outdoor accessories off your deck so it won’t be in the way when you go to clean the wood. The yard is a great place for these items, or in the house. If you do not have the space, you can stack the items in a corner of the deck so they are mostly out of the way. You will also want to cover any plants and remaining items, as cleaning solutions and sealants can be toxic. Protect your body as well by wearing long sleeves and long pants and gloves.
Mix and Apply the Solution
Your local hardware store should have various cleaning solutions available to purchase. Be sure to check the label so you know you are getting a cleaning solution that will work with the wood in your deck. There are also environmentally friendly products available, and they are much safer for you and your family. Once you have the cleaning solution, follow the directions to apply it to the deck. You can either scrub by hand or power wash, depending on the type of solution and your preferred methods.
Rinse and Seal
Once the solution has been applied, you can rinse it off of the deck using a garden hose or by filling your power washer with clean, warm water. Rinse the entire surface to make sure you get all of the solution off, then let the deck dry completely. Once it has dried, you can seal it. Most hardware stores offer a variety of sealants. Speak with an employee if you are unsure which will work best for your deck, then apply the sealant carefully and in even layers to ensure your deck is in good condition for the upcoming year.